Daniel with the Colossal Foot of Constantine at the Capitoline Museum in Rome.
Embarking on international travels might seem like a distant dream for educators, but the reality is that numerous teacher travel grants are readily available to transform this aspiration into an achievable plan. We’re delighted to feature teacher Daniel Sawyer, who will share his insights on how these grants have financed his recent travels and guide you on securing similar funding for your own enriching journeys.
Teaching Traveling: Daniel, could you share a bit about your background with our readers?
Daniel: Greetings! Hailing from sunny Southern California, I’ve dedicated nine years to teaching, a profession I deeply cherish. My passion lies in history, and I’m particularly excited to expand my horizons by teaching AP Art History in the coming year.
Over the past four summers, I’ve been fortunate to explore the world, thanks to various teacher travel grants. These experiences have not only broadened my perspectives and provided unforgettable memories but have also profoundly enriched my teaching methodologies.
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
TT: That’s fantastic, Daniel! We’re eager to hear more about your recent travel adventures.
D: I recently returned from an incredible 3-week journey through Spain, Italy, Austria, and Germany. The trip was almost entirely funded by a generous grant from Fund for Teachers. This $4,400 grant enabled me to delve into research on how these European countries commemorate wars and atrocities. My goal was to gather insights to guide my students in creating their own memorials or museum exhibits on chosen historical topics.
Beyond the academic focus, I immersed myself in the local cultures, savored the exquisite cuisines, and explored breathtaking landmarks. Highlights included the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the colossal Colosseum in Rome, and Michelangelo’s David in Florence – an absolutely stunning masterpiece to witness in person. Each city held its unique charm, and I’m already planning my return!
A Roman Aqueduct on the Appian Way in Italy.
TT: It sounds like an incredibly enriching experience. How do you discover these travel opportunities?
D: The Facebook group “Scholarships, Grants, and Summer Institutes for Teachers” was instrumental in finding my initial travel opportunities. I actually discovered Fund for Teachers right here on TeachingTraveling.com.
TT: That’s wonderful to hear! We are so glad you found that resource through our site!
D: It’s surprising how many teachers are unaware of these funding opportunities. My own colleagues were unfamiliar with these grants. It really emphasizes the importance of actively searching because these opportunities are out there waiting to be discovered. In addition to grant-focused groups, there are also numerous Facebook groups dedicated to general travel advice and recommendations which can be incredibly helpful for planning.
Daniel at Berchtesgaden in the Alps of Germany.
TT: That’s a great point. Securing funding is key. How do you manage the financial aspect of travel?
D: Some financial institutions offer specialized “summer saver” accounts designed for teachers. These accounts allow you to automatically set aside a portion of your paycheck each month, building a dedicated fund for summer expenses, including travel.
Combining these savings with teacher travel grants has made travel surprisingly accessible and affordable for me. While grants are officially intended for the teacher’s expenses, it’s often feasible to bring a spouse or partner along, effectively turning it into a partially or fully funded vacation while simultaneously enhancing your teaching practices.
Moreover, utilizing flight search engines like Google Flights or services like Scott’s Cheap Flights can significantly reduce travel costs. You can often find incredible flight deals to amazing destinations for just a few hundred dollars.
TT: Excellent financial tips! Can you share a particularly impactful moment from your travels?
D: A profoundly moving experience from my recent trip was visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp and Memorial near Munich, Germany.
The sheer scale of suffering within such a confined space was deeply impactful. Despite its relatively small physical size, Dachau witnessed the passage of hundreds of thousands of individuals, with approximately 45,000 losing their lives within its walls. The preserved gas chamber and crematorium served as stark reminders of the atrocities committed there, prompting deep reflection on the victims’ experiences.
On a more uplifting note, during my 2017 travels, I visited Stonehenge. While some find Stonehenge smaller than expected, I believe perspective is key. I had booked a special nighttime tour well in advance, which allowed access inside the stone circle itself.
Being directly among these colossal stones at night was truly magical. It sparked my imagination about how ancient peoples must have perceived this massive, enigmatic monument in their surroundings. If you plan a visit to Stonehenge, I highly recommend opting for a special access tour to truly appreciate its grandeur.
Ponte Vecchio in Florence at sunset.
TT: Those are powerful reflections. In what ways have your travels influenced your career and personal life?
D: Travel is inherently transformative. As an educator, it empowers me to teach from a place of lived experience. Being a history teacher, describing sites like Versailles, Normandy, or Dachau with firsthand knowledge makes the subject matter far more engaging than simply reciting textbook summaries.
Students become noticeably more captivated and inquisitive when they know I’ve personally visited the places we study. They are often brimming with questions, eager to connect with the material on a more personal level.
Travel has also broadened my personal interests. For instance, I used to have a limited appreciation for art. During my initial visit to the Louvre, I would quickly glance at paintings and move on, failing to truly engage with the masterpieces.
Now, art has become a central focus in my travel planning. I often structure trips around specific art museums or make detours to see particular paintings. Personally, travel provides invaluable perspective.
I recognize my fortunate circumstances living in my current location and having the opportunity to travel extensively. It’s a reminder that while my home country offers many advantages, the world is full of equally incredible and diverse places to explore.
Teacher travel grants exist to fund free trips for educational exploration of the world! See one example of Fund for Teachers and other resources.
TT: Finally, what advice would you offer teachers who dream of traveling, or travelers considering a career in education?
D: Numerous grants are available to support teacher travel aspirations! Some grants are designed around specific curriculum needs, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants. These often involve traveling to a relevant site and participating in a week-long classroom-style learning experience with experts.
Through NEH grants, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Virginia, Washington D.C., and various Civil War battlefields, learning directly from leading scholars. A Smithsonian American Art Museum grant even provided behind-the-scenes access at the Smithsonian.
My Fund for Teachers grant provided substantial financial support for international travel. So, for teachers seeking affordable or no-cost travel opportunities, the resources are readily available. The biggest hurdle is often simply knowing where to look and taking the initiative to apply.
TT: Truly inspiring advice! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Daniel. Readers, what questions or comments do you have for Daniel or about teacher travel funding?
By Lillie Marshall, TeachingTraveling.com
